Mar 29, 2001 07:54 PM
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Michael Gerald Tyson could have been one of the best and most popular boxers of our time. Instead, his life has been a series of roller coaster rides.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Mike Tyson was put in a reform school for his arrests that stemmed from burglaries and robberies. He began boxing and met Cus D'Amato, a famous boxing trainer. D'Amato became Tyson's legal guardian and took Mike under his wing.
Tyson won the WBC, WBA and IBF title. He was the youngest boxer to ever win the heavyweight title. His record was impeccable, 11 first round knockouts, and37 wins and no losses in 1989.
After D'Amato died, Jim Jacobs, his manager died, and he separated from his wife, Robin Givens. He then hooked up with Don King. He then lost his heavyweight title to James ''Buster'' Douglas, in one of the greatest upsets in boxing history. In 1992, he was found guilty of rape and was sentenced to ten years in prison. He was freed in three years and regained his WBC title. He also regained the WBA title, and lost it to Evander Hoylfield. In a rematch, everyone will remember his disgusting display when he bit off a piece of Evander Holyfield's ear. Not only was he disqualified, he lost the little respect he had left after being convicted of rape.
Mike Tyson could have been the greatest boxer ever, but chose the wrong path in his life. I have no respect for the man, and do not feel sorry for him. He had it all. He destroyed his own career. To me, he will always be a loser.
Thank goodness for Mohammed Ali, George Forman and those great boxers who overcame adversity and gave us the right to look up to them.
''Lend me an ear'', I think not!
